Declare Bipolar Awareness Day

March 30, 2020, as Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Bipolar Day WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 30, 2020, as Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Bipolar Day; and WHEREAS, World Bipolar Day (WBD) will be celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder; and WHEREAS, The vision of WBD is to bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and eliminate social stigma; through international collaboration, the goal of World Bipolar Day is to bring the world population information about bipolar disorders that will educate and improve sensitivity towards the illness; and WHEREAS, Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that represents a significant challenge to patients, health care workers, family members and our communities; and WHEREAS, While growing acceptance of bipolar disorder as a medical condition, like diabetes and heart disease, has taken hold in some parts of the world, unfortunately the stigma associated with the illness is a barrier to care and continues to impede early diagnosis and effective treatment; and WHEREAS, Mental illnesses have historically been misunderstood, feared and therefore stigmatized; the stigma is due to a lack of education, false information, ignorance, or a need to feel superior; and WHEREAS, Its effects are especially painful and damaging to one's self-esteem; it leaves people with mental illnesses feeling like outcasts from society; and WHEREAS, Whether the perceived stigma is real or not, it is the subjective interpretation that affects the person's feelings of belonging; and WHEREAS, Like most groups who are stigmatized, there are many myths surrounding mental illness; and WHEREAS, In order to address the disparity in how bipolar disorder is viewed in different parts of the world, the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) came together to work on the concept of a world bipolar day; and WHEREAS, People who live with bipolar disorder are encouraged to remember that they can accomplish great things even though they have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 30, 2020, as Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Bipolar Day; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD); the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF); and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD).